The Mayan Calendar may have predicted the end of the world in 2012, but the calendar for gamers also anticipates the release of some the year’s most awaited games. It looks like 2012 won’t be so much of a disaster when you see the list of some of the games that will be released next year. We’ve teamed up with Futureworks School of Media – one of Europe’s leading providers of video games developer qualifications – to bring you this preview of the most exciting gaming releases heading your way in 2012.

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm

Starcraft was a huge success and the Heart of the Swarm, which is the sequel to Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty looks equally promising. In the Heart of the Swarm, the plot isn’t very clear, but it will be centred on the human Sarah Kerrigan who will continue leading the Zerg Swarm in her human form. We would also be seeing a lot more multiplayer units and maps, as well.

Diablo III

Next up is game that we’ve been waiting so long for. Next year, Diablo, the Lord of Terror, will walk the world again. Finally, after years of waiting, Diablo III will be released next year. Now you can choose to be either male or female and create a character from various class choices like barbarian, demon hunter, monk, wizard, and witch doctor. The plot will pick off where Diablo II left off, so expect seeing some old enemies and friends again.

World of WarCraft: Mists of Pandaria

The summer of 2012 is truly something to look forward to for World of Warcraft players because we’ll be seeing the release of World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria. Expect a lot of action in Mists of Pandaria. The game promises the monk class, an additional continent to explore and—wait for it—the Pandaren race! Next year, you can actually play as a Pandaren Brewmaster!

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

If you liked Oblivion, then I’m sure you’ll be looking forward for the release of Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning. For sure, we’ll be seeing a lot more action. You have the chance to choose from four different races, each with distinct abilities and explore the five regions, too. Get to know more on psp headsets

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

For all those Counter-Strike players, 2012 promises the coming of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The game will be bringing back classic maps and will be adding something new to them. Of course, expect a lot more maps, characters, and game modes, too.

Dota 2

DoTA players should also brace themselves for the upcoming DoTA 2. Of course, it is the sequel to the highly successful Defense of the Ancients. Although, there is no definite date for the game’s release, I’m sure DoTA players will be satisfied with DoTA 2.

Borderlands

From April 2012 to March 2013, Borderlands 2 will come out when we least expect it. In the new Borderlands, we’ll be seeing a lot more of Pandora plus more challenging fights and more dynamic quests neatly portrayed in Borderland’s cartoony animation.

Street Fighter x Tekken

On March 2012, Ryu, Ken, and all your favourite Street Fighter characters are making a comeback—along with Jin, Paul, and your favourite Tekken fighters, as well! Yes, Capcom is doing an epic crossover: Street Fighter x Tekken! There will be a tag team system and you for Tekken gamers; you can execute the combos of your favourite Tekken fighters, too!

Tomb Raider

The first Tomb Raider game with an M rating will also be released next year. This is the Tomb Raider remake. The game will focus more on the origins of Lara Croft and her character is designed to be lot more human. Yes, her chest is definitely a lot smaller. Because of the M rating, expect a lot of violence and gore, but I’m sure that’s what we all love in our games.

Twisted Metal

If you are a Playstation gamer and you know who Sweet Tooth is, then you’ll be pleased to know that a new Twisted Metal will be released next year. Need I say more? Expect a lot more chaos, violence, and mad clowns!